SnapJag Creative Designs

Mac

Zipping files on a Mac or Windows is straight-forward. You used to have to buy an application to zip files, and now the operating system has it built in, at least for the simple and basic tasks. This was included since Mac OSX 10.3 and later and in Windows XP and later. Continue reading →

It’s been a few months since it’s release, but as I promised in my previous post about Picasa for Mac that I would enhance my computer arsenal with another Mac as soon as the software was released. Well, that’s just what I did. I purchased a great new BigMac. Here are the specs. This will help tremendously in providing up to date information, speed, and brute force to the instructions and support of my Mac clients.

About Picasa for Mac

The new Picasa for Mac application has been installed and rearing to go. I am currently moving my photos from my UBUNTU system to the Mac. I will give everyone instructions on how to do this as I couldn’t find concrete information about how to do it. So, in the spirit of the SnapJag support system, you’ll get your answers.

I use Lightroom as my main photo manager and not Picasa, but my wife and kids use it because it has very simple, straight-forward features that match their computer skills. Lightroom is more advanced and requires more skill. It handles my organization, editing, and production requirements much more powerfully than Picasa could. But they aren’t meant to be in competition with each other.

Picasa is meant to be an entry level photo manager providing all the basic features that would be required by light users. Lightroom enhances those light features by 7 fold giving the state of the art workflow processing modules (steps) and fine tuning editing photos, and exceptional export capabilities. Also, the ability to organize photos in folders, categories, and EXIF (embedded photo key information) are provided simply and effortlessly.

Here is the link to download the Picasa for Mac software. It’s appears to be very stable, friendly as usual, and you’ll love the speed and enhancements it provides. If you need help or support with your Mac or Picasa, give us a ring.

Setting the stage: I have a website for my business (http://www.snapjag.com), a shameless plug, but worth expressing the problem and the help here … which I use to promote my photography, creative design, and consulting business. I will update the site frequently with the results of recent photo events and opportunities. Continue reading →

Wow, the differences between the Firewire standards really have me up in arms. I’m a little disappointed with Apple for not making the Firewire 800 (1394b – 9pin) plug available on my MacBook. Because, it’s been out for a while, and the speed is amazing, up to 700 MB/sec. That’s up from the 100, 200, and 400 speeds of Firewire 400 (1394a).

I wanted to get the new Lexar Professional UDMA 300x speed Compact Flash card for my DSLR and I’m finding out a few things needed to make this all work.

First, my Nikon D70s doesn’t transfer at the 300x speed and not many new cameras do. The camera will still use the CF and at the highest rate the UDMA will allow for the cameras slot. That’s OK, I wanted to get the images downloaded off the card as fast as possible. So, I had to get all the components together that would allow the fast possible speed, yet be a complete high-speed set so when the time comes to upgrade the other devices, everything is at it’s peak.

The components required from photo shoot to post-processing are the following.

Camera to memory card to memory card reader to computer

Each of these have different transfer rates. The Camera (CF) being about 70x, the memory card reader (9 pin 1394b Firewire) is 300x, the computer (Apple Macbook 6 pin 1394a Firewire) is about 150x.

Because the Lexar camera reader has 9 pin 1394b Firewire connections and the Macbook has 6 pin 1394a Firewire connections. I am having to find an adapter that bridges this connection “disconnect”.

My wife bought the Blackberry Curve 8320 this weekend and is just loving it. She had the older model from four years ago; the one with the dial and back button on the right side, those buttons gave out. After four years, that’s awesome! … way to go RIM! You’re making an awesome product! We’re staying with you. Keep it up. Continue reading →